Ginnie Highsmith, Campus Carrier Staff Reporter
Several dozen students, faculty and members of the Rome community gathered in Memorial Library for the African-American Read-In on Feb. 10. This nationwide event, which celebrated its fifth anniversary this year at Berry, allowed readers to share excerpts from stories and poems from African-American writers.
The readers included associate dean of students Julie Bumpus, dean of student work Rufus Massey, college chaplain Jonathan Huggins, freshman Raven Wilson and sophomore Eric Eaton. They volunteered to read and personally picked the stories that had a significant meaning to them to share with their fellow audience members.
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| Olivia Murphy, Staff Photojournalist Christina Bucher, associate professor of English, Rhetoric and Writing, reads at the African-American Read-in on Feb. 10. The event celebrated African-Americans’ contributions to literature and poetry. |
While there was no specific theme set out before the readers, by the end of the night, a common theme from the readings emerged—overcoming adversity.
Eaton, a sophomore, chose an excerpt from one of Frederick Douglass’ letters because of Douglass’ “journey from pain to freedom.”
Eaton said the theme of the letter is relatable to everyone at Berry because “everyone at some point in their life has to overcome whatever obstacle life has thrown at them, putting all anger and frustration behind, and become something new.”
Senior Travis Suell, who has helped coordinate the read-in with the library and Multicultural and International Student Programs for the past two years, said attendance for this year’s event was higher than last year. The readings, he said, represent African-Americans’ roles and experiences in history.
“Literature helps encapsulate our history in all parts of humanity,” Suell said. “I really wanted to allow people to comfortably express what they personally found to be inspiring and significant in their literature pieces.”
Sherre Harrington, the director of the library, said the read-in was intended to enhance students’ educational experiences.
“The reason we do things like this at the library is because we want people to be aware of the connections to the academic programs that are going on around campus,” Harrington said. “The library is a place where intellectual activity and community is going on so if we can expose students to what is around them in this community through academics, through literature, then I think that’s what really matters. That is a huge part of what higher learning is all about.”
The gospel choir, In His Name, also performed some of their songs a capella, and sophomore Jameel Johnson performed a step routine while explaining the dance’s origins and present day execution.
Eaton said he felt the event celebrated the diversity on campus.
“I am proud to go to a school that recognizes and appreciates the different cultures and faces of this school where we are willing to learn more about each other and our varying backgrounds,” Eaton said.
